What is Hallownest?

What is Hallownest? Hallownest is the ancient underground kingdom that serves as the primary setting for the indie game Hollow Knight, a vast subterranean realm filled with mystery, danger, and forgotten history.

The Ancient Kingdom

Hallownest was once a thriving civilization ruled by the Pale King, a powerful being who brought light and consciousness to the kingdom's inhabitants. This sprawling underground domain consists of interconnected caverns, cities, and natural formations that stretch deep beneath the surface world. The kingdom encompassed numerous distinct areas, each with its own unique ecosystems, creatures, and architectural styles.

The Fall of Hallownest

The kingdom's downfall began with the emergence of the Infection, a plague-like force that corrupted the minds of Hallownest's citizens. This orange, dream-born disease turned peaceful bugs into aggressive, mindless husks. The Pale King's attempts to contain the Infection through the creation of Vessels - hollow beings meant to seal away the Radiance, the source of the plague - ultimately failed, leading to the kingdom's collapse.

Geography and Locations

Hallownest is divided into several major regions, including the bustling Crossroads, the fungal Fungal Wastes, the aquatic City of Tears, and the crystalline Crystal Peak. Each area tells part of the kingdom's story through environmental storytelling, abandoned structures, and the remnants of its former inhabitants.

Current State

By the time players explore Hallownest as the Knight, the kingdom exists as a haunting shadow of its former glory. Ruined cities, overgrown passages, and infected creatures populate the once-magnificent realm. Despite its fallen state, Hallownest remains filled with secrets, ancient technologies, and powerful artifacts waiting to be discovered.

The rich lore and intricate world-building of Hallownest make it one of gaming's most compelling underground kingdoms. Ready to delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beneath the surface?